When Daniel Hoffman published a brief volume of selected poems in England, the Times Literary Supplement praised “his zestful verbal performance, supple use of rhyme and other sound effects” that “make the processes of his writing interesting.” That same vitality and interest inform Hang-Gliding from Helicon, which presents more than forty new poems and a generous selection from six of Hoffman’s previous books. Commenting on the most recent of these in the Southern Review, Monroe K. Spears wrote, “Hoffman’s new volume seems to me to establish his claim to the title of major poet.” In the New Republic, Josephine Jacobsen observed: “Three major strands knit into a strong texture: myth, history, and immediate experience . . . What he once wrote of Robert Graves is true of his own work: both combine ‘A Dionysian compulsion to belief with an Apollonian clarity of presentation.’”
In the opening piece of this volume, entitled “The Poem,” Hoffman writes:
True to itself, by what craft
And strength it has, it has come
As a sole survivor returns
From the steep pass.
Carved on memory’s staff
The legend is nearly decipherable.
It has lived up to its vows
If it endures
The journey through the dark places
To bear witness,
Casting its message
In a sort of singing.
Hoffman’s poetry is a celebration of life, yet some of his poems have dark implications. “The City of Satisfactions” is a journey into the haunted heart of the American dream. “The Center of Attention” portrays a suicidal man being taunted by a crowd to jump from a bridge, and “Witnesses” explores the aftermath of a car wreck on a desolate stretch of rural highway.
Each of Hoffman’s poems represents a striking response to the moments of being alive. Hang-Gliding from Helicon affirms the power of poetry to make possible the acceptance and transformation of life. Daniel Hoffman has given us a remarkable statement of his deep poetic faith.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Hoffman's poetry is a celebration of life, yet some of his poems have dark implications. "The City of Satisfactions" is a journey into the haunted heart of the American dream. "The Center of Attention" portrays a suicidal man being taunted by a crowd to jump from a bridge, and "Witnesses" explores the aftermath of a car wreck on a desolate stretch of rural highway.
Each of Hoffman's poems represents a striking response to the moments of being alive. "Hang-Gliding from Helicon" affirms the power of poetry to make possible the acceptance and transformation of life. Daniel Hoffman has given us the remarkable statement of his deep poetic faith.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 3.99
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # ABLIING23Feb2416190212573
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # I-9780807114537
Book Description PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L0-9780807114537
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Seller Inventory # B9780807114537
Book Description Condition: New. PRINT ON DEMAND Book; New; Fast Shipping from the UK. No. book. Seller Inventory # ria9780807114537_lsuk
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 6666-IUK-9780807114537
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. This item is printed on demand. New copy - Usually dispatched within 5-9 working days. Seller Inventory # C9780807114537
Book Description PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Delivered from our UK warehouse in 4 to 14 business days. THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L0-9780807114537
Book Description Condition: New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! 0.91. Seller Inventory # Q-0807114537
Book Description Taschenbuch. Condition: Neu. nach der Bestellung gedruckt Neuware - Printed after ordering - 'Hang-Gliding from Helicon' presents more than forty new poems by Daniel Hoffman and a generous selection from six of his previous books.Hoffman's poetry is a celebration of life, yet some of his poems have dark implications. 'The City of Satisfactions' is a journey into the haunted heart of the American dream. 'The Center of Attention' portrays a suicidal man being taunted by a crowd to jump from a bridge, and 'Witnesses' explores the aftermath of a car wreck on a desolate stretch of rural highway.Each of Hoffman's poems represents a striking response to the moments of being alive. 'Hang-Gliding from Helicon' affirms the power of poetry to make possible the acceptance and transformation of life. Daniel Hoffman has given us the remarkable statement of his deep poetic faith. Seller Inventory # 9780807114537